Rabbitohs
16
Match Complete
Storm
22
| 67 |  | C. Smith | ||
| 65 |  | C. Munster | ||
| 59 | | C. Smith | ||
| 58 | | T. Fa'asuamaleaui | ||
| A. Reynolds |  | 42 | ||
| 40 | | J. Olam | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 40 | ||
| C. Walker | | 38 | ||
| 29 | | C. Smith | ||
| 27 | | R. Papenhuyzen | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 23 | ||
| C. Graham | | 21 | ||
| A. Reynolds | | 5 |
| 2 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Round 17 of the NRL season continues as the South Sydney Rabbitohs host the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary, starting from 7:55pm (AEST).
There’s no doubt the Rabbits have found their mojo in recent weeks, with big wins over the Sea Eagles and Eels. They sit just two points outside the top four and a position in the top half of the eight is what they’re chasing. To do that though, they’ll need to defeat a team that, along with Penrith, is one of the form teams in the competition.
The rest of the NRL sat up and took notice when Souths hammered Parramatta 38-0 last Thursday. Parra’s edge defence on both sides was under pressure all night and the end scoreline was a fair reflection.
The key to this has probably been in their halves, with Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds both in terrific form. The Bunnies have always had a strong backline but their halves are now letting them shine.
In a big blow, however, Latrell Mitchell is out for the season with a severe hamstring injury. Alex Johnston takes his place at fullback. Dane Gagai returns from injury.
After a slow start to the season by their standards, the Storm are now close to premiership favourites. They comfortably accounted for arch-rivals Manly 30-6 last weekend and are gradually getting their key players back from injury.
Whilst Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster run the show, players like Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes get better every week and are now legitimate threats on their own.
Brenko Lee replaces Marion Seve at centre, with Seve gone for the season with a knee injury. Nelson Asofa-Solomona is out with a calf strain, with Chris Lewis starting in the second row and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui moving to lock. Ryley Jacks is the new face on the interchange but I wouldn’t be surprised if Ken Bromwich is named in the final squad.
Prediction
South Sydney are in fine form but I think they will run into a roadblock this weekend.
Craig Bellamy will have Melbourne up for this one and I don’t believe the Rabbits will get enough chances to score.
The Storm have plenty of class and I think they will prevail in a tight one.
Storm by 4
Game information
Kick-off: 7:55pm (AEST)
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
TV: Nine, Fox Sports
Live stream: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass
Teams
Rabbitohs
1. Alex Johnston, 2. Corey Allan, 3. Campbell Graham, 4. Dane Gagai, 5. Jaxson Paulo, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tevita Tavola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Tom Burgess, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Cameron Murray
Bench/Reserves: 14. Mark Nicholls, 15. Liam Knight, 16. Patrick Mago, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Jed Cartwright, 19. Steven Marsters, 20. Troy Dargan, 21. Ky Rodwell
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Isaac Lumelume, 3. Brenko Lee, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith, 10. Christian Welch, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Chris Lewis, 13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
Bench/Reserves: 14. Nicho Hynes, 15. Ryley Jacks, 16. Albert Vete, 17. Darryn Schonig, 18.Sandor Earl, 19. Max King, 20. Aaron Pene, 21. Kenneath Bromwich
steveng
Roar Rookie
As Bennett said, we beat ourselves the Storm didn't!
Joey
Guest
Steve, was no mistake from Klein. The two first tackle errors from the Storm rewarded in penalties was already too much. Painful to watch when no TV commentator says boo, and then you realise they must be in bed with the Storm regards the TV ratings for the Smith farewell v Sonny Bill / 2018 rematch Grand Final
Joey
Guest
A front on shot is one-dimensional so can’t show the ball thrown a metre forward out of the hand. Why take the angle that looks better and ignore the other angles ? Eyes painted on buddy.
thomas c
Guest
Taking out Reynolds should have been a sin bin really. If taking out the play maker off the ball at a pivotal moment isn't a professional foul, then what is? South were good in the first 30 minutes. Around the midway point reynolds was off the field, Burgess was rested and the rain started. After the second half, they didn't make metres and attacked on the left too often. The two players who stood out to me were Sua and the melbourne fullback.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Go the Zetland Magpies!!!
The Barry
Roar Guru
I had a rare COVID outing today... long business lunch. I got home in time for the game but watched most of it squinting through one eye From there I’d agree that Souths continued their recent good form...but the Storm and particularly Smith are a level above Souths are enjoyable to watch, their forwards are getting better but still can’t match it with the elite tier... Hope that makes sense...good game, but it’s been a slow painful typing effort... :silly:
The Barry
Roar Guru
It gets tougher and tougher For me... Johns Smith?TBD Lewis Lamb Thurston Fittler Lockyer Sterling Clyde Cronk That would probably change this time tomorrow...?!?!?!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Storm are really really good. Cameron Smith is irreplaceable Souths are now among the best of the 5-8 teams but are a step below the genuine contenders
Steve
Guest
The frustrating thing for the bunnies is he probably gets charged for that by the MRC.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Fair point...it was a clear Rabbits penalty to everything other than Klein
Rob
Guest
What happened to Cronk, Thurston, Slater and Inglis?
Steve
Guest
Turning point for me was Klein missing a blatant spear tackle. Bunnies didn't see the ball for 20 mins after that.....game over.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Mate, you may well do some damage in the semi's yet. You would put a score on my Sharks, that's for sure!
steveng
Roar Rookie
Cheers to all from downtown Mascot lol
Vivalasvegan
Roar Rookie
Looked good tonight the Bunnies...
Gauss
Roar Rookie
Was noticeable over the last few weeks that Souths had greatly reduced their errors. That continued for most of the first half tonight. So the simple explanation might just be that they didn't handle the wet. Not an excuse, just an observation.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Thanks David great call as usual, pity you didn't call a Bunnies win lol
Vivalasvegan
Roar Rookie
Xheers David. Appreciate it
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks all for joining the blog tonight. Hope you have a good weekend
Tom G
Roar Rookie
He did cop a big knock. Wasn’t as good when he came back... he’s a tough little bloke